Metanoia

1

It takes a while before the propeller stops and for the wind to calm down. until the operator tells us that it's safe to step out of the helicopter.

I just came from an out-of-town business meeting. I still can't understand why we have to meet in person when we can just talk at an online conference.

"We've arrived safely, Mr. Knox. May I ask if you want to go somewhere first before we continue your schedule?" My secretary asked without removing his sight on the tablet.

"I think I just have to rest for a while in my room at the hotel, Xander. if that's not too much to ask."

Xander looks at me immediately then looks around before coming near to my ear. "Do you mind if I join? I'd really like to take a nap for a while," he whispered.

I lift my hand which startled him covering his head. I guess he thought that I'll hit him because of what he said.

This guy is making me look bad, seriously.

"You arse, You can rest too, but don't disturb me until the time is ticking." I stated before wearing my sunglasses back.

"Yes, sir. copy that." He said like a military soldier. This guy really has something for mood shifting.

I should check if he has a history of filming.

A clerk just assist us to our rooms, and they gave me the exclusive room while Xander took the normal one since he said he'll just take a nap. he took the one exactly beside me.

"This is the hotel room key, sir. just long press the number zero to contact the main desk. enjoy your stay." he said before taking his leave.

Xander said he'll come back after a few hours before we go for another trip overseas this time.

I just nodded and shut the door at him because he will never stop giving me reminders.

Damn! that guy is a mother dressed in man's clothing.

I shook my head and drag my luggage to change into more comfortable clothes.

when I feel like I can breathe better, I sat on my bed to feel the comfortable mattress. I can say the sheets are pretty neat but I don't feel like sleeping yet.

I saw the big window beside the dining area and walk close to see a familiar view that reminded me of a certain memory before.

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"Wanna have a trip with me?"

If I was a different person, I won't because you shouldn't trust strangers.

but why do I feel like I feel safe around her with those little hands willing to grab me any time?

In the end, I get dragged by her into a mini convenience store. since it's early in the morning. even the cashier is slacking off.

"Perfect. now get what you need let's meet here after a few minutes, you understand?" she ordered that I automatically agreed to it.

What do I need?

I look around and saw some shirts to spare beside the essentials like an umbrella, toothbrush, and soaps.

I took one just to change into since I look like a beggar right now with how rigged my clothes are.

then I walk into a corner of snacks so I took a few chocolates and some coffee to keep me up.

I don't know what I need much right now, so I just took random things as I walk my way back to where we agreed.

then I saw her with a lot of chips and a strawberry Slurpee she was already drinking. if I have a phone right now, I must've have took a picture of her already.

she looks like the typical girl waiting for her father to come and fetch her.

Her doe eyes widen when I came near. I was about to say something when she suddenly talk. "Did you get everything you needed?" she asked.

"U-uhh... yeah I guess this is enough. but I don't have a wallet right now. I think I left it back at the-"

"No need. Let's go while the cashier is still sleeping." she said as if it's nothing serious.

"What? you're not paying for this? isn't this stealing? " I bombarded her with questions but all I received is a bunch of giggles.

"You sure have never did this before, don't you?" she asked ignoring my questions.

Like who steal from a convenience store?

just her

"Look you don't have money, I don't either. so we have no choice. besides, admit that its thrilling knowing you did something wrong that you actually think is wrong, right?"

I'm caught off guard. is this girl for real?

"Come on, time is running. I have a perfect time with the perfect person for a job. let's go get a car."

Then there she goes again, dragging me like I'm some sort of a puppy.

We stopped at one car at the parking. I was waiting for her to unlock the door.

but I got startled when she starts to knock on the windows with her right elbow hard enough to break it. then that's the time she reach for the lock to open it for herself.

"What the hell are you doing?!"

"What do you think I'm doing? I'm unlocking the car." she answered quite proud for someone who just broke someone's property.

"This isn't yours, is it? what if someone caught us, huh?!" I'm starting to panic but she's just shaking her head while laughing at me.

"You won't get in trouble unless you get caught, don't you think?"

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Constant vibration coming from my phone woke me up. just to see it was Xander's way to notify me to get ready.

I sat at the bed as I get into my sentiment before taking a shower. I drank a bottle of water placed at the table beside the mini refrigerator.

it's been five years. I did what she wanted me to do. yet I still can't find her.

Just what magic do you have to hide this long from me?

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- L